Moon clip info please

[ReadyRob]

I need a little (or a lot) of information about moon clips.
(1) made of plastic or steel
(2) stay in the gun, in my case the cylinder would have to be machined for it to fit (not crazy about that _ if I stopped using the clips wouldn’t the gap allow objectionable side discharge?)
(3) doesn’t the star clips/grips have to be reduced? more machining!
(4) does the moon clip load at the same end as speed loaders (hammer end _ someone told me that they load from the other end, and I can’t understand that, I must have misunderstood)

 

[PT1911]

1-available in both
2-the cylinder is machined to fit the moons but that process does not require they be used all the time... only facilitates loading and unloading... doesnt change the function of the gun.since the entire cylinder is not recessed..only a section on the inner half of the chambers. therefore, the moon clip fits that gap when in place, but when not in place, the outer portion of the chamber still prevents the cartriges from falling too far forward.
3-I have no idea what you mean by that.
4-it loads the same way you would normally load the cartriges... just brings them all together in such a way that all can be loaded at the same time without the need to release from a speedloader and allows you to have several loaded and waiting for use.

 

[ReadyRob]

Thanks PT1911

What I'm referring to is after firing all rounds, open cylinder, push the rod that forces the "star shaped" _thing_ to release the empty casings. It seems that the moonclip would not lay flat enough if "star shaped" thing remained stock. These fit around the base of cartridges and are like half a circle. I'm gonna stop trying to explain this.

 

[PT1911]

I have a modified taurus 608, the Star shaped thingy you are talking about is the extractor/ejector (depending on the force you use to push it..)

but to answer your question... some modification will be necessary, when mine was machined to accomodate the moon clips the extractor was removed and actually shows you where further the milling must take place... the finished product will allow that to recess into the machined area that is actually below where the moon clip will be sitting (this is where the extractor sits now.. I will try to post some pics for you.

 

[ReadyRob]

Thanks for the correct terminology PT1911. What are your impressions of moon clips, has it been worth the expense/trouble. Okay, maybe that's a bad question, kinda like asking how much is your life worth, and I can see that it would be faster than a speed loader, probably not even close. Maybe a better question is, would you do it again?

 

[PT1911]

I am extremely pleased with mine.. they loading and unloading the clips can be tedious... but overall, I am more than happy with them... if you have the chance to do so, I dont think you will regret it... and as previously mentioned.. they only facilitate reloading and unloading and give you an extra option. The gun will still operate normally without them in place..

 

[ReadyRob]

Thanks man, you have been great help. I'm gonna track this down and go to my gunsmith and show him my gun and see what will have to be done.

 

[PT1911]

not the greatest pictures but... you get the idea.









You should be able to get an idea from these....Love it...